Please join Bishop McManus for the sixth annual Mass for the Protection of Religious Freedom at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, 2017 at St. Paul’s Cathedral in observance of the national Fortnight for Freedom, a 14-day period of prayer, education, and action for the protection of our fundamental right to religious liberty. The Mass will be followed by a light reception downstairs in the Cenacle and a presentation by Bishop McManus on this year’s theme, Freedom for Mission. All are welcome! For more information on the Fortnight for Freedom visit www.fortnight4freedom.org and www.worcesterdiocese.org/fortnight-for-freedom.

From June 21 through July 4, Catholics nationwide will take part in the fourth annual “Fortnight for Freedom”, a 14-day period of prayer, education, and action for the protection of our fundamental right to religious liberty. The Fortnight for Freedom was first initiated by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Ad Hoc Committee on Religious Liberty in 2012, in response to the government’s HHS mandate forcing employers, even Catholic employers and private business owners of good conscience, to provide abortifacient drugs, contraception, and sterilization in their employees’ health plans or face exorbitant fines. For the Catholic Church, our many ministries of education, healthcare, and charitable works continue to be at stake. Many people of all faiths have spoken out strongly against this violation of conscience rights. Currently 105 cases with over 300 plaintiffs have been filed against the mandate (visit www.becketlaw.orgto learn more about these cases).

The theme for this year’s Fortnight for Freedom is Freedom for Mission, emphasizing the importance of religious freedom that enables the Church to carry out her mission of service and mercy in witness to the truth of the Gospel.

Visit www.fortnight4freedom.orgto learn more about the very real and current threats to our religious liberty and rights of conscience and what you can do about it.

HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE IN THE DIOCESE OF WORCESTER'S OBSERVANCE OF THE FORTNIGHT FOR FREEDOM?

Bishop Robert J. McManus will celebrate the Mass for the Protection of Religious Freedom at 7:00 p.m. at St. Paul's Cathedral, 19 Chatham St., Worcester.All are welcome! Following the Mass there will be a light reception downstairs in the Cenacle where we will also hear a presentation on this year's theme by Bishop McManus.Please come, and bring a friend!

2) Participate in events or devotions at your parish or a neighboring parish:

Watch your parish bulletin for details.

Subscribe to our email list (see below for how).

Check for updates in The Catholic Free Press.

Listen for announcements on 1230 AM Emmanuel Radio

Area events will also be posted here as we are notified of them. If your parish is planning an event, please send the information to aledoux@worcesterdiocese.org so we can help spread the word!

2) Learn! Read more about our fundamental right to religious freedom. Many resources, including articles, church documents, bulletin inserts, and videos can be accessed at www.fortnight4freedom.org.

3) Spread the word! Tell others about the Fortnight and why our religious liberty is in jeopardy. Share some of the resources on this site and at www.fortnight4freedom.orgfor more information.

4) Utilize social media to educate others and spread the word. Graphics and downloads for your website are available at www.fortnigh4freedom.org.

WHAT IF I WANT TO PARTICIPATE BUT I'M AWAY ON VACATION?

Fortnight for Freedom events are taking place nationwide!

Visit www.fortnight4freedom.organd click on "Diocesan Activities" on the left side of the page to find activities throughout the U.S.

HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT LOCAL EVENTS?

Subscribe to the Respect Life Office's e-mail list. Simply send an email to aledoux@worcesterdiocese.org and ask to be added to the list. We send periodic emails which may contain articles, announcements, listings of area events, etc. It is a blind list and your email is not shared with others. You can unsubscribe at any time by using the "unsubscribe" button at the bottom of the emails.